Yesterday’s confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, will filled with fireworks.
A handful of Democratic Senators spent most of the hearing attempted to tarnish Hegseth’s credentials, and his past, in an effort to sabotage his nomination.
That included a contentous back-and-forth with Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren, who tried — and failed — to bait Hegseth, but ultimately left Warren gasping for air after he shut down Warren in front of the stunned crowd.
Did you see this unfold?
During the hearing, Warren went after Hegseth on the issue of generals needing to be banned from working in the defense industry for at least a decade after they’ve retired from service.
Here’s a transcript of the entire interaction:
Warren: But the question I have for you on this is: Will you put your money where your mouth is and agree that when you leave this job, you will not work for the defense industry for 10 years?
Hegseth: Senator, it’s not even a question I’ve thought about. Because it’s not one that–
Warren: Think about it right now.
Hegseth: It’s not one… my motivation for this job–
Warren: I understand that, I just need a yes or no here. Time is short. I just need a yes or no.
Hegseth: I would consult with the president about what the policy is.
Warren: In other words, you’re quite sure that every general who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years, but you’re not willing to make that same pledge?
Hegseth: I’m not a general, Senator.
WARREN: You're quite sure that every general who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years, but you're not willing to make that same pledge?
HEGSETH: I'm not a general, Senator. pic.twitter.com/GwjJ8703wW
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 14, 2025
Hegseth’s brilliant comeback generated some laughter from some at the hearing and momentarily stunned Warren before she briefly continued with her line of questioning.
Regarding the restriction that Warren was pressing Hegseth on, according to US law, a retired general cannot enter a Defense agency for a period of ten years after leaving active duty, meaning they cannot take a civilian position within the Department of Defense for that duration,
This is specifically to ensure civilian control of the military and prevent undue influence from former high-ranking officers.
Regardless, Hegseth reminded Warren directly that he is not a general. Perhaps she should have done her research.